No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has two pledges from Norman teachers by the end of the week ending Feb. 12.
They’re one of the thousands of US teachers pledging to continue educating students about the controversial Critical Race Theory, which explains racism is embedded in US culture and politics.
The new Norman teacher wrote “Since the US history I teach centers on multiculturalism, it would be impossible for me to follow the scrambled guidelines just passed in my state, Oklahoma. The college where I teach has a big commitment to inclusion, so I do not anticipate problems--but am concerned about what will happen in K-12 throughout the state, which already has a poor track record for teaching inclusive history.” when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
Though the concept was first suggested in the late 70’s, it has recently exploded as a contentious issue between the American right and left in the last two years.
Many who signed the pledge are defying state bans on the teachings. Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and South Dakota, have denounced the teachings without passing specific legislation.
In an interview with The Washington Free Beacon, Ashley Varner of the Freedom Foundation accused the Zinn Education Project of providing “left-leaning propaganda to teachers.”
| Teachers | Thoughts on Critical Race Theory |
|---|---|
| Rebecca George | “no comment” |
| Jeri L. Reed | Since the US history I teach centers on multiculturalism, it would be impossible for me to follow the scrambled guidelines just passed in my state, Oklahoma. The college where I teach has a big commitment to inclusion, so I do not anticipate problems--but am concerned about what will happen in K-12 throughout the state, which already has a poor track record for teaching inclusive history. |
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